Sony to launch PlayStation virtual reality headset in October

Virtual reality is definitely becoming a huge technology trend this year. Several product launches announced already aim to ultimately take VR technology into the mainstream.

The most recent VR tech announcement is Sony’s. The major consumer electronics firm announced on March 15 the October release of a PlayStation virtual reality headset. However, the PlayStation VR Launch Bundle will be available for pre-order starting today, at 7 AM PDT (2 PM GMT) at participating retailers.

The device, which will retail at $399 in the US and £349 in the UK, will be the cheapest one available. Thus, experts believe it could secure a place on the mass-market. The headset features a high definition screen and motion tracking technolog which allow players to enter and explore computer generated worlds.

Sony’s VR technology is facing tough competition from Facebook-owned VR firm Oculus and Taiwanese hardware firm HTC, both of which are bringing their own versions to the market in the upcoming weeks.

Sony says that their developers are working on games for the device, including major publishers such as Ubisoft and Electronic Arts – the latter has revealed that it will release a PlayStation VR mode for its massively successful shooter Star Wars: Battlefront. 50 other titles are expected to become available by the end of 2016.

However attractive this new tech trend may seem, there are still doubts about the viability of virtual reality as a mass consumer technology. Besides the high prices, a significant percentage of users are likely to suffer motion sickness unless movement within the games is heavily restricted.

Andreea is a recent graduate of the University of Bucharest, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in American Cultural Studies. She's currently enrolled in a Master's program in the same field with a particular interest in literature and media studies. She makes the most of her leisure time by reading mystery novels, playing video games and pursuing her greatest passion, photography.